4K video at 120kmph? YI’s new drone is built for SZR

Imagine speeding down Sheikh Zayed Road at a stately 120kmph with your trusty drone following along, recording your daily commute in 4K. Making the the ultimate selfie movie gets a little easier next month when YI Technology debuts its new Erida drone in Las Vegas.

Described as the world’s first mainstream, full carbon smart drone, the professional-grade Erida is fast, agile and will bring accelerate global drone sales, the Chinese-backed company says.

But it’s the top speed (120kmph or 75 mph in initial tests), the 4K action camera, the stunning aerodynamic, three-rotor design and its ability to fly for up to 40 minutes at a time that have fanboys excited about the Erida. It will be unveiled at InterDrone, the International Drone Conference and Exhibition which takes place in Las Vegas from September 7 to 9.

Pricing, availability and final drone and application features will be announced later this year.

So if you can’t wait and want a super-fast drone now, we suggest checking out Xiaomi’s Mi drone, or even DJI’s Phantom 3 4K.

“With the launch of YI Erida we are solving three of the biggest barriers to widespread drone adoption: overly complex products, lack of consumer accessibility and short flight time,” said Sean Da, Co-Founder & CEO of YI Technology. “Like all YI products, YI Erida features the most advanced technology in a simple and intuitive operating system at a competitive price point.”

Folding rotors

In terms of form factors, weight details aren’t available yet, but YI teased that the light and durable beauty is crafted from a 100-per-cent carbon fiber frame. The Erida features patented, folding rotors that makes it portable and easy to carry.

What about the tech? The Erida features intelligent, modern software and sensors, to make maneuvering smarter, simpler and safer.

And it’s controlled by a mobile app, so there’s no need for a remote. Users can set the flight mode, choose the height and shooting angle, control takeoff and landing, and check battery status, distance and flight time – all from the app.

The Yi Erida’s folding rotors make it easy to carry

Battery details and all that good stuff is as yet unavailable, too. (We guess they’ve got to save something for Vegas!)

For safety reasons, the press statement says, the Erida boasts an advanced sensor and radar system with a built-in laser scanner to examine its surroundings, and automatically increase flying height if the ground begins to elevate – in other words, if it senses mountains, it should rise above them.

YI’s own camera

As for that camera, it’s YI’s own. It combines 4K video recording at 30 fps, with up to 120 minutes of recording time and an integrated, high-resolution touchscreen. It also offers manual IQ parameters for advanced photographers including shutter, exposure value compensation, level sensitivity, metering mode and white balance. Finally, for smooth shooting, the Erida offers an advanced gimbal system, which is essential for producing professional-quality footage. The gimbal works seamlessly with the drone, camera and mobile app.